and they're all talking about defunding obama care. defunding obama care. defunding obama care. now, rand paul, who is a true tea party guy, has endorsed mitch mcconnell, but don't forget it was rand paul who originally ran against mitch mcconnell's handpicked guy in the last senate election in kentucky. now, rand paul can protect mitch some, but he can't necessarily protect him all the way. especially because mitch mcconnell has yet to sign on to this drive to bar all funding for obama care. that's a litmus test for the tea party people. >> that's a fascinating dynamic that's going to play out. everyone i've read on the right, people who i respect as sharp analytical thinkers who are still ideologues say this is madness, this won't work, don't do it. everyone seems to agree with that except for cruz, lee and paul. you're right it's going to be really interesting because paul can provide a little cover. how much cover and when paul turns the screws on something that's an issue, that is the big question to watch as we go forward. howard fineman of the "huffington post." thanks so